Weeknight Wonder: Zucchini Boats

This was a last minute meal that almost was zucchini bread! Funny how this became a meal, but while we were talking at work about the huge zucchini my son picked from the neighbor’s garden while he was house/dog sitting this week, this meal came to mind! I was explaining how those blown up zucchini become zucchini bread at our house by shredding it all and freezing recipe size bags ready to make zucchini bread this winter. Then Pinterest post came to mind right away! I remember seeing Zucchini Boats where the zucchini was scooped out and lasagna ingredients added.

When I got home I set to making dinner. Oven set to 450 degrees (they wanted dinner fast!) and I had my son cut those overgrown zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the overgrown seeds. Meanwhile I pulled out a pound of pre-cooked and browned sausage that has been rinsed and towel dried to absorb all the excess fat possible to make whatever I use it for more heart healthy. Then I began assembling my other ingredients. Usually I will cut up fresh tomatoes whenever I cook, they make such a prettier dish, but they just taste fresher than any canned tomatoes I can buy! Since I only had two tomatoes as the garden hasn’t yet turned out that beautiful red bounty of tomatoes, I reached for the cupboard and grabbed a can of mild Rotel, opened it up and drained it slightly.

Assembling the boats to make them heart healthy, I pulled out the 9×13 casserole dish and placed the zucchini in the dish. I then spread the sausage across the zucchini and then layered the Rotel across the sausage, added a sprinkling of Pink Himalayan Salt crystals and covered the casserole dish with foil. Placing the dish in the 450 degree preheated oven, I set the timer for 30 minutes while putting away my lunch dishes from work and organized the family with setting the table and preparing garlic bread to accompany the Zucchini Boats. At the 30 minute mark we added 8 ounces of Shredded Lowfat Mozzarella Cheese, sprinkled with freshly dehydrated Oregano from our Herb Garden and set the timer for 10 minutes. Placing the casserole back in the oven uncovered, we wait for the deliciousness that will be soon to come!